The Steve Hunt Interview - Playing With Allan Holdsworth

My guest on today's SOUNDING OFF is American jazz pianist and composer Steve Hunt. From 1987 to 2003, Steve performed, toured, and recorded as a member of Allan Holdsworth's band. Several of his compositions appear on Holdsworth's albums. On Secrets (1989), Hunt is credited with composing "Maid Marion", and "Joshua". On Wardenclyffe Tower (1992), he did "Dodgy Boat". On Hard Hat Area, he helped to write "Prelude" and "Postlude". On the album Then!, which was recorded live in Japan, he helped with "Zone I", "Zone II", and "Zone III". Tracks from these albums are included in the compilation The Best of Allan Holdsworth: Against the Clock.
Steve has a record label called Spice Rack Records which can be found here: spicerackrecords.com/artist/st...
Steve’s performance of his tune “Dodgy Boat” at 39:09
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[@Kenman540]

Never clicked so hard on KZbin!

[@evetsnitram8866]

Rick, you could pass for Dweezil Zappa's uncle!

[@thomasjdigennosr7370]

Incredibly humble,as a great musician himself,to defer to Allan,admitting how tough it was to follow Allans solos

[@philsackett7341]

Rick, I must compliment you on your interviewing style. You actually stay quiet and let your guests speak until they're done. I see so many people on YT doing interviews, even with big figures, and they just can't shut the hell up and let the guest fully articulate a thought. I've heard countless awesome threads being literally stomped out by inept interviewers. Thank you so much for actually getting it. I really like your channel. It's extremely valuable on multiple levels!

[@energybengt]

Totally agree. Rick is a warm and vibrant, alive presence. I love his interviews. Sting, Satriani and Bernard Purdie come to mind as outstanding. And I LOVE his heart on the analysis of Kiss From A Rose. Grateful for Rick’s energy and the space he creates.

[@atquinn1975]

Steve Hunt's compositions with Allan were amazing. He definitely elevated Holdsworth's music.

[@LisaBellaDonnaMusic]

Such beautiful chance to witness Steve talk about music. Such a precious singular gifted musician.

[@manningbartlett522]

37:50 My wife and I came from Australia for those shows. And we met the guys who came Japan, who were just brilliant.

[@Kenman540]

This is my reply Rick. I sent this link out to all my musician friends. If it wasn't for Allan's band with Steve Hunt in 1992 live I wouldn't have gone to Berklee, and spent and will spend my life with performing and studying music, also if it wasn't fore e these guys I wouldn't have clep'd out of one and a half years of classes of theory, and more on the entrance test . You don't understand what this means to me. Thanks again Rick! God Bless you!

[@InnerTranquility]

Steve Hunt! Yes! Wow! That dodgy boat rendition was amazing! It made me cry actually.

[@hemmojito]

yes

[@Nedwin]

When Allan Holdsworth passed away, I locked myself in my music room for days, recalling everything about him, music, story, life, so sad that we lost such a great musician like Allan Holdsworth. You'll be missed Allan.

[@Kenman540]

Dodgy boat at 39:10 will make you cry :)

[@dylanapivor3743]

I think this is one of most enjoyable 45 minutes I've spent listening to another musician speak about their craft. Wonderful player. Wonderful composer. And so obviously a wonderful friend and collaborator with the truly great Allan Holdsworth. Thank you Steve and thank you Rick.

[@ja773r]

Steve is such a beautiful guy and an amazing player x

[@MrDaveaccord]

Great interview. Steve is a monster musician in his own right. He lives here in my home state of Massachusetts and teaches at Berklee school of music and plays some live local gigs sometimes.

[@enriquegomeziv]

By far, one of your best interviews Rick!!! No offense to the other great musicians that have been on the show, but this was so insightful and profound. Not to mention Steve's beautiful playing at the end...

[@jerryphobi]

Thank Rick for having Steve on. What a great interview !!!!

[@rkatz0]

Absolutely Lovely playing at the end! Wonderful, one the best interviews yet!!!

[@jhep1]

Total perfection for an interview, awesome

[@snail415]

I discovered Steve when I bought Allan's REH DVD 18 years ago. Not a keyboard player, but Steve blew my mind just as a musician. He, Skulli, Chad, Jimmy and Allan had a profound impact on my understanding of what it meant to truly 'own' your instrument. I just never heard popular music the same again, and that is the greatest gift I took from their work. Steve's discussion about blurring the lines between keys and guitar was great; I was stumped for years with how a lot of Allan's songs were split-out. Steve, Allan and company are epitome of humble mastery of one's domain. Wish I could have all seen them live. Thank you Rick for doing this. Between the loss of Allan and Chris this year, it's been a tough year. And Dodgy Boat should instead be called Kleenex. Holy cow.

[@chrismccraven4059]

Steve Hunt said some beautiful things here about Allan..this was a fantastic interview!!!

[@jremi]

One of my most favorite pieces of music of all time is "Joshua" on the Secrets album and it happens to be a Steve Hunt's composition. Allan's solo on this is absolutely beautiful and his sound is out of this world. But so is Steve's solo. It's magnificent. Allan was undoubtedly a musician's hero. He did things most experienced professional musicians did not understand, but he knew how to get the best of the best in his team and Steve Hunt is exactly that.

[@a1guitarmaker]

The live piece was a treat. Fascinating insight in how their music worked...

[@Mountfailmore]

Had the pleasure of seeing Steve play in Allan's band back in the days but never heard him utter a word until this interview. Thank you Rick and Steve for giving us a peek behind the wizard's curtain!

[@AndrewColyerMusic]

Wow the piano piece at the end is so beautiful and amazing! Thank you so much to Rick for doing this interview series, and to Steve Hunt for doing the interview! It's so helpful to hear these interviews to have insights into the lives of real full-time musicians.

[@MrEdwinvai]

Thanks Rick and Steve. You don't know how important this interview is to me. ❤️

[@carcassgrindcorpsesc]

this is the best thing ever. steve is an incredible player and his knowledge and fanatism for allan is noticeable and beautiful to see, thank you!!

[@trulovis2giv]

Just AWE AMAZING. I got to see Steve with Holdsworth, and the glue they exude (WOW). Rick you are a blessing to all of us too bro. It's great to have wonderful people express their thoughts here. *COOLNESS*

[@rkatz0]

Amazing! You played with AH one week before he passed away....on the spur of the moment! Wow!!!!

[@TheOwl]

A fascinating look into Allans creativre process and how Steve interpreted Allan's creations, not to mention some great stories and that solo piano reworking of Dodgy Boat was beautiful! Great job Rick and Steve!

[@Carehuea]

Thank you Rick and Steve. Absolutely beautiful tribute ❤️

[@geniskendo5489]

This was great! Love the solo piano in the end!

[@doughsnakes]

Made me cry when Steve played at the end.

[@TimoVee]

I always thought Steve Hunt has done the Gary Thomas disappearance scheme or smth, and all of a sudden I find this video! such an abundance of info on Allan, and the "Dodgy boat" at the end of this video, just sublime. Loving it to death. Your next drink is on me.

[@martinpalmer3575]

Dodgy Boat is amongst my very favourites. I did not know Steve Wrote this, so beautiful and such an amazing piece of music. favourited. :)

[@JazzGuitarScrapbook]

Mr Hunt, can you do an album of Holdsworth on acoustic piano pls?

[@Galactu5]

If you don't already know, Gary Husband has an album of Holdsworth songs for piano. Pretty wonderful. Yes, a Steve Hunt album of Holdsworth music would be sweet indeed.

[@ShredTraining]

Beautiful playing and a great interview. Thanks so much!

[@_tgwilson_]

Outstanding interview, full of insights and the piano piece at the end is truly beautiful. Thanks Rick for an incredible interview. I saw Allan with many times, in London and in LA. A unique genius.

[@theresultof777]

This piano rendering of Allans' music is astounding. Beyond words.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

This is great i have watched all in one sitting the interviews of all these players that played with Allan Holdsworth..Steve Hunt,and Gary Husband all these guys are so down to earth and humble.I saw Steve Hunt and i was unexpected who was in the band and i was tortally blown away by the interplay with them, great improvisations.Thank you for this insightful interview and a great way to end this with Steve playing one of Allan's compositions.

[@rapidfirerob4]

What an amazing interview. I learned more about Allan's music and thinking here than ever before. Beautiful.

[@nickmastro6870]

This is how all music interviews should be. Thank you for the great content.

[@jfo3000]

Thanks Rick and Steve. I cried when Steve played his tribute version of Funnels a few weeks ago and cried again when Steve just played one of my favorites, Dodgy Boat.

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

Thanx guy´s..... such a beautifull rendering of "Dogdy boat" ,- Hard not to cry the old balls out - again - Youre the best , Steve,-

[@mentoneman]

Such a great interview! I love the little familiar examples Steve plays and it makes me realize how much I loved Allan's music. Interviews with Jimmy, Gary, and Vinnie would be amazing and behind the scenes for tribute rehearsals.

[@NeilRaouf]

Wow! Thank you Rick! I love Allan's music as much as you do :-) Would be amazing to have Jimmy Johnson. Cheers

[@pauloswald3842]

Just cried on that Dodgy Boat. Wonderful interview Rick and I dont think I gave Steve enough credit on those recordings, but I will will listen with different ears after this.

[@jazzerson7087]

Best interview I've seen yet, such a great guy, plus an incredible rendition at the end.

[@neilloughran4437]

Nice one Rick. Fantastic to hear Steve Hunt and his recollections.

[@derrylgabel]

What a great interview!

[@ChuloDavidcito]

Rick, thanks so much. Steve always was a particular favorite of mine in Allan's cast of characters. There was a certain sound of surprise that he seemed to always have. He could go somewhere unexpected and somehow pull it off. Beautiful interview, and the piece at the end was just sublimely moving.

[@MrDenissimpkin]

Great interview Rick! Love Steve Hunt!

[@pedromiranda8597]

Pure Gold! Loved the version of Dodgy Boat! Wardenclyffe Tower is my fave Holdsworth album!!!

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

Thanx Steve and Rick, so so interesting, and very very moving, -

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

Wonderful interview. Thank you so much, Rick!!

[@ZippyLeroux]

Thank you Mr.Beato. I struggle to get into what I think of as 'high jazz', such as what Allan Holdsworth and the like perform... but that piece at the end was truly beautiful. Thank you!

[@frederf69]

Steve Hunt's take on Dodgy Boat was beautiful

[@viktorbuck8342]

Wow, I LOVED this interview! Thanks :)

[@TomRivieremusic]

Great interview and what a wonderful person and pianist.Lovely work of art.

[@freddiemoller3692]

I'm so glad that this resource exists

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

Interesting interview, didn't know much about Steve before watching this. The performance at 39:09 is really amazing on the piano!

[@progfan234]

"Dodgy Boat" was my gateway to Allan Holdsworth's discography and is one of my favourote songs. Prior to that, I had heard a few Holdsworth songs that I found rather inaccessible.

[@EliBleu]

Great one on one, awesome insight into Alan's world and beautiful playing at the end by Steve .. Thank for another great interview Rick

[@18echosf]

What a wonderful interview and the music at the very end just brings tears to my eyes.......so much feeling. Thank you.

[@ATCDave1]

One of my favorite keyboard players! Thank you Rick, great interview.

[@gjtube37]

Awesome!!!!!! Thank you Rick and Steve for this amazing interview and thank you Steve for your stunning performance!

[@petersmart894]

Just a great interview under the circumstances.

[@fusionhar]

Lovely Interview and Dodgy boat at end defies words!

[@antoinefafard]

Great interview!! Thanks for doing these Rick!!

[@sonicplayg]

Thanks Rick... I'm a big fan of your work. This interview with Steve is really amazing. Thank you for doing it and thanks as well to Steve (very much).

[@ginobanksofficial]

Great! really enjoyed Dodgy Boat at the end too

[@brad724p]

Beautiful tune at the end!

[@hemmojito]

Nightlake is one of my favorite peaces I've ever heard in my life.

[@TeiscoCurlee]

Wow so interesting to hear Allan used a 5ths tuning for a while, not a lot of guitarists are doing that so hearing about it makes me feel less insane for doing that myself! The Looking Glass head is a lot easier to play that way, but I doubt I'll even come close to be able to play Non Brewed Condiment! Well, guess I'll have to try! Keep these interviews coming Rick, we really appreciate them!

[@andym28]

The issue I have with that tuning is my lines becomes too linear and samey. but its fun to try.

[@TeiscoCurlee]

@@andym28 Yeah, it's too symmetrical in a way, you arrive at new boxes but they're hard to break out of

[@WilliamTanaka]

Thank you very much, I loved this episode.

[@Star_Sn1per]

Hearing "Dodgy boat" being played on the piano shows us how complex and beautiful it really is

[@fernsehdesign]

could easily be named a piece of classical music.

[@dosgos]

Great interview and incredible live piano bonus material!

[@TitusMaz]

Amazing interview and brilliant performance of Dodgy Boat

[@cristiantisselli]

just incredibly inspiring. Thank you so much.

[@vidsforsquids]

Steve is modest because he is a ferocious soloist. Listen to those Holdsworth records. Especially the live ones.

[@iris21ful]

Beautiful testimonial. Thank you!

[@davidbuda]

Steve Hunt Baby!!

[@jspaulding4106]

I love nerds (especially the musical ones) talking about their passion. Very enjoyable listen!!

[@matteoturella]

Thx man! Enjoyed it so much!

[@loobomorph]

Pure joy, with some tears (of joy again, mostly)... Thank you, chaps!

[@CarlosYounes]

Grate! Congratulations Bealtiful esplanation God bless Best regards

[@rossianlardner3291]

Really lovely interview.Thanks Rick

[@aaronlehr2076]

Thank you Rick. I like that I am learning so much about Alan as a person, beyond all the amazing technique. Keep up the inspiring work!

[@jasonbrianbronson]

Always excited for this quality content!

[@thewilythylacine]

Hey Rick. Each and every one of these interviews is simply extraordinary, Thanks.

[@visog]

Fascinating great video and a nice tribute. Saw Steve with Allan a few times...

[@felipeguerra4664]

One of the best interviews ever, thank you Rick

[@JoseCarlosMatos]

Loved the insight on some of Allan's compositions and the video ended beautifully with Steve's rendition of Dodgy Boat. Great stuff, thanks!

[@pedroleal7118]

Thank you Rick! Great interview!

[@paulauksztulewicz4803]

Thank you Rick and thank you Steve. With warm affection and positive regards. Paul.

[@martinbe5111]

Great interview. Allan forever

[@Convisis]

It's interesting to listen to people like Steve and Chad talking about AH and his theoretical approach, I always figured that he understood 'normal harmonic concepts' but had expanded them with his scalar approach, but it makes me wonder if actually he didn't really have any conventional theory at all and his understandings were completely idiosyncratic and that he may have not even known the conventional names given to scales. It brings some perspective to why he was technically unsure about the root notes because perhaps some of his chord voicings didn't necessarily even have 'roots' per se, just a 'lowest note' in a collection of notes that when grouped together gave him a particular feeling. Thanks for this wonderful interview.

[@perstornes]

Allan worked his way through Slonimsky's book, so he did know some conventional theory. He did not find the traditional names very useful, I think. Regarding the root notes, I wouldn't say he was technically unsure, rather he was open: He let the bass player pick decide. He never told any of his musicians what to play...

[@GusFogle]

Slonimsky's book doesn't contain any information related to conventional theory! LOL.

[@Andreorsel]

Convisis , he knew all the conventional names. Just watch the “ All For The Curious” instructional vid ( it is on KZbin) where he talkes about scales. All the to us known names are discussed here.

[@Galactu5]

@@GusFogle the point he is making is that in order to make sense of Slonimsky's book, one would need to understand conventional theory to some degree already since as you correctly state, there is no conventional theory in the book. Slonimsky's book is nearly useless for most musicians until one is armed with more than basic theory.

[@MrPyroguru]

His technique of legato was new for guitar in the eighties which was awesome! He has long fingers which he took advantage of too!

[@supergnorf]

nice interview! An above and beyond ending :)

[@greatmusic382]

FANTASTIC INTERVIEW, THANKS!

[@omarharbmusic]

Great interview

[@michaelhansen7516]

Holy crap that guy can play. Beautiful.